Mother’s Lifelong Dreams of an Education Become Reality

Last updated on: September 17, 2022 at 6:18 am By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the poverty that hinders millions of women to have an education, and the missionaries who reach these women through literacy classes to be able to tackle life’s hurdles.

“Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime.”

Habiba poses for a picture as a student of the Sisters of Compassion literacy class.

While Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported Sisters of Compassion don’t teach villagers how to fish, they do teach them something quite necessary to thrive in life: how to read and write.

For one mother, this old proverb stands true as the sisters’ lessons are satisfying her lifelong dream to learn to read and write.

Unfulfilled Dreams of an Education, Literacy

Habiba, 40, lives in a slum village with her husband, 10-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son. Growing up, Habiba had the desire to attend school and learn to read and write, but she never had the opportunity because of her family’s poverty. Still, it was a dream she clung to even after getting married.

When Habiba’s children were born, she desperately wanted them to receive an education. Unfortunately, her husband was also uneducated and, therefore, unable to teach the children, and school fees were too expensive for them to afford. Habiba grieved that her children would grow up illiterate like she did, but it seemed her dreams for their education were equally out of reach.

Hope Born

One day, Sister Tamanna and a few other Sisters of Compassion supported by Gospel for Asia (GFA) visited Habiba’s home and shared the Good News of Jesus’ love. They also explained to Habiba and her family they were starting a literacy class for the women and children of the village.

Not surprisingly, Habiba rejoiced to learn about the class and that the lessons would be offered for free. It renewed hope that her dreams of an education for herself and for her children could finally become a reality.

“I want to become an educated lady,” Habiba excitedly explained to Sister Tamanna, “and my desire will surely come true through this class.”

Starting School

Habiba practices writing with Tamanna during literacy class.

When the literacy class began in her village, Habiba and her children were among its students. One year after Habiba started her lessons, her hard work paid off. She learned to write and speak her local language’s alphabet and numbers. She was also able to write her name and the names of her husband and children.

Meanwhile, Habiba’s children found success in their literacy classes as well.

In addition to learning their A-B-Cs, some of their lessons include learning God’s Word and how to pray.

Though Habiba may not have realized it yet, this literacy class was just one demonstration of God’s love for her and her family. Through the Sisters of Compassion and their literacy ministry, God is the One making Habiba’s dreams come true.

Habiba isn’t the only mother for whom literacy is an important dream. Read Parmila’s story, and learn how attending Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported literacy classes became an answer to her prayers.

*Names of people and places may have been changed for privacy and security reasons. Images are Gospel for Asia stock photos used for representation purposes and are not the actual person/location, unless otherwise noted.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, Mother’s Lifelong Dreams of an Education Become Reality

Learn more about the Sisters of Compassion, Gospel for Asia’s specialized women missionaries, who have hearts that ache for hurting women and those deemed as poor and needy.

Learn more about the Women’s Literacy Program. There are over 250 million women in Asia who are illiterate. Even if they want to read, there is no way to learn . . . until now. With your help, women in Asia can learn to read and will be equipped to tackle life’s hurdles.

Click here, to read more blogs on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

What Does Ministry Mean to You?

Last updated on: September 23, 2022 at 2:50 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the definitions that encompass missions & ministry, the sacrifice and service, from those who are behind-the-scenes to the national missionaries who are in the field.

Let me ask you a quick question. When you hear the word “ministry,” what words come to mind? I posed this question to several Gospel for Asia (GFA) staff members and wrote their answers down.

“God” and “Jesus” were, obviously, chiefly among the answers, followed by “sacrifice” and “service.”

But why “sacrifice”? Why “service”?

Ministry; Defined

Do those words come to your mind when you hear the word, “ministry”? Or do other images come to mind? Do your thoughts wander to lands far off, of sprawling jungles or shifting sands? Do you think of the stories and testimonies of missionaries long gone?

Ministry can happen anywhere, whether it takes place through a local outreach program run by a church or through an international missions organization. According to Merriam-Webster, to “minister” is “to function as a minister of religion, or to give aid or service.” Gospel for Asia (GFA) as a missions organization fits both categories. Through the generous donations of our supporters, we are providing national workers in Asia with the tools and resources they need to minister to the hurting and needy.

As Christians, we are called to serve wherever the Lord sends us. But what does it truly mean to serve? For staff members of Gospel for Asia (GFA), one aspect of serving the Lord means we are working behind-the-scenes, aiding the work in Asia from behind desks in our own country.

Jesus says in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

To give one’s life as ransom for many—what does that even mean? For many, like our brothers and sisters on the missions field, it is literally laying down their lives so others may hear of Jesus. That is sacrifice. Paul in writing to the Romans says,

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).

But what else might ministry include?

1 Peter 4:10 says, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

The gifts of God, whether it be things like love, prayer or encouragement, should be given freely in service to those around us, whether they are Christian or not. Showering God’s great love on others is a vital aspect of ministry, for as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13, we can accomplish great things in God’s name, but if we have not love we “are as clanging cymbals.”

What Does Ministry Mean to You?

Having grown up in Gospel for Asia (GFA), I can say with little doubt that I know what ministry requires. Firstly, a great deal of personal sacrifice, and secondly, a servant’s heart. They go hand-in-hand—rarely do you see one without the other, at least in my experience.

Ministry can occur wherever and whenever. Whether in your church, your community or in missions helping workers bring the love of God to the furthest corners of the world. So, take a minute to think: What does ministry mean to you?

Learn more about National Missionaries – the men and women the Lord God is raising up living in Asia to be His ambassadors.

Learn more about how for nearly 40 years, behind-the-scenes missionaries, the Missions Support Team have functioned as a crucial link between the mission field and the Western Church.

Click here, to read more blogs on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

Tuning In to the Power of Radio

Last updated on: September 23, 2022 at 2:52 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the impact Gospel ministry through radio in Asia continuously brings to more than one million listeners each year, bringing them hope in the love of Jesus.

I can’t remember the last time I owned a stand-alone radio. I remember evenings as a child, sitting on my grandfather’s lap and listening to the stories, the news and the music emanating from the speakers in that mysterious piece of furniture.

I remember hearing the choir singing “Jesus Saves” as Dr. Charles E. Fuller and the Old-Fashioned Revival Hour came onto the air. Rudy Atwood was at the piano and the Old-Fashioned Revival Hour Quartet was always ready with an inspirational song. The entire congregation singing “Heavenly Sunshine” was a treat every week.

I was once in New York listening to the uplifting music and Bible lessons aired across the entire continent from Pasadena, California.

But today, technology has lured most of us away from anything as “old-fashioned” as radio. There are just too many other things to occupy our times and our minds. Who needs radio?

People in Asia Need Radio

Radio is one of the least mentioned but most enduring ministries supported by Gospel for Asia. Gospel for Asia (GFA) has been producing and airing radio programs in Asia since 1986, speaking hope and truth into areas with extreme need.

Religious, social, and political barriers often make ministry challenging in various regions. Rough terrain can also hinder national workers from bringing aid and comfort to the residents of rural villages. Even illiteracy, which is high in many regions of Asia, can make it hard for people to learn about Christ. But a family doesn’t need to know how to read to listen to their radio, and radio broadcasts can cross treacherous terrain to share with people who are hungering for a love greater than the world can offer. Walls cannot keep this faithful messenger away, so hope-filled programs can be heard within prisons, hospitals and even brothels.

Even in the most remote areas, radio waves can bless whoever tunes in. And in Asia, it is still one of the most cost-effective tools for sharing the message of Christ’s redemptive hope. For so many people, a radio program may be their first and only exposure to the love of Jesus.

Gospel for Asia’s radio ministry supports broadcasts in more than 100 different Asian languages. Each year, more than one million listeners contact Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported radio teams to ask questions about Jesus Christ or about how to live for Him.

While many of us may consider radio a thing of the past, to those in Asia whose lives are being transformed by the hope it brings, radio is helping shape their future—even their eternal future.

Now is a good time to reflect on the global impact of radio when used by followers of Christ. It’s not time to tune out. It’s time to tune in and pray.

Sources:

The Road to Reality, Official Website
Gospel for Asia, Radio in Asia
Gospel for Asia, Facts about Radio in Asia

Learn more about how the Holy Spirit is moving powerfully in the hearts of listeners throughout Asia through radio. GFA Radio is reaching across geographical and political barriers, establishing fellowships in isolated areas yet to be reached by missionaries.

Click here, to read more blogs on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

Gospel for Asia Observed International Day of Charity – September 5, 2019

Last updated on: September 23, 2022 at 2:57 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing International Day of Charity, the misconceptions perceived on what charity is, and what the Bible teaches is the true picture of charity – involving not just giving, but sacrifice.

And now abides faith, hope, charity, these three;
but the greatest of these is charity.

September 5 was set aside by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to be observed as the International Day of Charity. The date was selected to coincide with the anniversary of Mother Teresa’s death on September 5, 1997. The native of Macedonia spent most of her adult life working in the slums of Calcutta, India, loving and caring for destitute people for whom no one else evidenced concern.

What Charity Is Not

The concept of charity has become so watered down that we generally think of “charity” as an organization that provides necessities of life to people who are suffering from perpetual poverty or trying to survive in the wake of a disaster.

While not entirely wrong, neither is the concept of an organized institution altogether correct. In fact, thinking of charity in this context can lull people into a lazy paradigm that leaves charitable work up to an “institutional other” to which they donate goods or funds as a way to “do our part.” Charity may then be perceived as a person or a group with their hand out seeking donations for their cause.

The thought process is based on determining what we own that we are willing to give to help. We are careful to account for what we offer because we mistakenly believe it to be ours.

What Charity Is

When we say that the concept of charity has been watered down, we refer to 1 Corinthians 13:13 where the Apostle Paul said, “And now abides faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”

The word translated as “charity” here is “agape,” a love that places the interest and good of others above our own. Note that it is not limited to either their current or chronic needs but to their overall well-being at all times and in all circumstances.

This perspective is based upon understanding that we own nothing, that all we have is a gift from God and is intended to be used for Him and His purposes. True charity — agape love — moves our giving from the realm of mere donation to the higher plain of sacrifice.

Charity at Gospel for Asia

Whether in Asia or at any of the Gospel for Asia (GFA) administrative offices across the globe, Gospel for Asia (GFA) staff have their hearts set, individually and corporately, on loving the unloved and the unlovely, serving the unserved, offering hope to the hopeless, feeding the hungry, encouraging the downtrodden, and becoming the hands and feet that demonstrate the love of Jesus.

Yes, it takes financial support to accomplish GFA’s purposes, but our prayer is that the gifts given always flow from hearts that give in agape love. This is what charity truly is, taking our minds off ourselves to be a blessing to others.

About Gospel for Asia

Gospel for Asia (GFA) is a leading faith-based humanitarian and mission agency, bringing vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across Asia, especially to those who have yet to hear the “good news” of Jesus Christ. In 2018, this included more than 70,000 sponsored children, free medical camps conducted in more than 1,100 villages and remote communities, over 4,700 wells drilled, over 11,400 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 240,000 needy families, and spiritual teaching available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. Gospel for Asia celebrated its 40th anniversary on July 3, 2019.

Click here, to read more blogs on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

Devastation Meets a Glimmer of Hope

Last updated on: September 23, 2022 at 3:03 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the desperate reality that families and their children trapped in poverty experience, and the hope that God provides through His means like Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported Bridge of Hope centers.

Sibirah posed next to Rajdev as the camera captured the special moment. In Rajdev’s hands were two plaques recognizing his talent in public speaking. Sibirah touched the side of the framed plaque. This was her firstborn son—her little boy who had been abandoned by his dad. This was her son who once had no hope for a future education because of their poverty. Now, there he stood, holding up his achievements.

This is Rajdev. His alcoholic father abandoned him and his mother, Sibirah, when he was born. Without his father's support, his childhood was filled with struggle and poverty. — This is Rajdev. His alcoholic father abandoned him and his mother, Sibirah, when he was born. Without his father’s support, his childhood was filled with struggle and poverty.

Alcoholic Dad Abandons Family for First Time

Rajdev’s father, Jairus, left home before he even saw his newborn son’s face. Alcohol appeared to be more important to him than his family. Jairus’s addiction to the bottle left him hard and immovable, even after much pleading from his pregnant wife and his sister. Tensions eventually exploded in one final argument.

Sibirah was now a single mother, left with nothing to support her family. She had a son to raise and hospital bills to pay from her delivery. But these weren’t the only troubles she faced.

Near Death Experience

One day, little Rajdev gasped for air. He was suffering from a severe asthma attack, and the doctors held no hope for his survival.

Her Son was dying.

Sibirah watched helplessly as her son was slipping away from her with no support given by her husband and no hope for her little one’s future. She had nothing but love to offer her son, much like many poverty-stricken single mothers in Asia. What would his little life hold? What trials and troubles lie ahead for this abandoned son?

At the last moment, Rajdev’s aunt, a woman of faith in Jesus, prayed over her nephew, and the Lord healed him completely! It was a miracle. God spared Rajdev’s life. Now Sibirah needed to find a way to support and educate her only son.

New Hopes Dashed When Father Leaves Again

As years passed, Sibirah somehow managed to keep herself and her son alive, though it was difficult to raise a son on her own. One day, Rajdev’s father returned home to them, hoping for a new and more peaceful life together with his wife and son—a life without alcohol. Jairus promised Sibirah that he wouldn’t drink anymore, but his addiction slowly made a way back into his life. Once the bottle entered the scene again, peace left their household and fighting commenced.

When Sibirah was about to give birth to their second child, Jairus left home again. Life turned from lacking peace to being miserable for Sibirah. Abandoned by her husband once more, Sibirah was now left with two mouths to feed.

Sibirah longed to end her own life. It seemed like the only way out of the grief she lived day in and day out. But whenever she thought of her children and their futures, she resolved to live and give them decent lives. She wanted to give them good educations. She knew that education was one of the only means for her children to escape the kind of life she lived. She dreamed of them becoming something greater than she or their father had become.

But how?

Through the Bridge of Hope program, more than 70,000 children, like Rajdev, are being given a chance to hope for their future.

Restoring Hope Through Free Education

Sibirah’s devastation in life met with a faint glimmer of hope when she heard about an opportunity for Rajdev to be enrolled in a tutoring program. The same sister whose prayer saved Rajdev’s life now introduced them to a Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported Bridge of Hope center. Soon, little Rajdev was enrolled.

Life would never be the same again.

Young Rajdev began going to school, as the Bridge of Hope center provided him with enough paper, pencils and school supplies so that he could attend school and receive tutoring at the center to help him in his studies. In many regions in Asia, education is offered to all children through government schools, but each child needs to have a school uniform and school supplies to be able to fully participate.

Joy replaced worry in Sibirah’s heart as she watched her son blossom in the Bridge of Hope center. A daily meal, school supplies and opportunities for her son to compete in statewide competitions were all part of her son’s growth, as it was for his classmates and the more than 70,000 children who participate in Bridge of Hope across Asia.

Rajdev’s talents began to unfold as he won two state-level speech competitions. With this newfound talent, and all the help and encouragement Rajdev received from his teachers at the center, his aspirations grew as he dreamed of becoming a doctor—a dream he would most likely never have been able to see fulfilled if it weren’t for Bridge of Hope.

You can give hope for children trapped in poverty today by giving a gift to the Unsponsored Children's Fund. — You can give hope for children trapped in poverty today by giving a gift to the Unsponsored Children’s Fund.

Help Meet the Immediate Need for Children Trapped in Poverty

Today, Sibirah doesn’t know where her husband is, but because of the help and encouragement her family is receiving through Bridge of Hope, she can face the future with a new sense of optimism. Her children have a chance for a better future, and she hopes Jairus will return to them one day to be part of their lives and see for himself the potential in their son’s life.

Imagine what would have happened to Rajdev and Sibirah if Bridge of Hope hadn’t entered their lives. Maybe Sibirah would have ended her life, or perhaps Rajdev would have joined the 168 million children trapped in child labor. By God’s grace, this was not their story. Bridge of Hope made a way out for them. You can be part of helping families in need like Sibirah and Rajdev’s.

Help a child like Rajdev with your gift to the Unsponsored Children’s Fund!

Source: Gospel for Asia Features, Hope in the Unknown

Learn more about how to sponsor and help children trapped in generational abject poverty who need a Bridge of Hope.

Click here, to read more blogs on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

The Only Medical Care They’ll Ever Receive

Last updated on: September 23, 2022 at 3:06 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the crippling poverty that families like Aashna’s experience, the helplessness they face especially in medical situations, and the medical camps which offer the poorest of the poor possibly their only chance to receive medical care for their ailments.

Aashna squatted on a dirt floor beside brightly clothed women all waiting to see a doctor. Each had different needs, different concerns. For Aashna, this was her only opportunity to help her baby boy. Aashna’s 3-year-old son, Prajivan, stood safely between his mother’s crossed arms. Across his forehead, a cloth bandage covered a bulging “boil-like thing,” as Aashna called it. She wasn’t sure what was growing on her little one’s forehead. For a month, she watched the small bump become larger and larger, while Prajivan complained of his forehead hurting and cried because of the pain. Aashna and her family were poor. Too poor to visit a doctor. Too poor to figure out what was happening to their youngest child. The income she and her husband earned as daily wage laborers cultivating fields didn’t provide enough for “extra fees” such as doctor visits. They made just enough to eat and survive another day. Even if they did have the money for medical care, the nearest hospital was about 43 miles away.

“To go and see the doctor, I would need money, which I don’t have,” Aashna says.

“My husband and I would have to go to the money lenders or landlord, whoever is willing to lend to us. … But then to pay back that borrowed money would take a lot of time. Sometimes it could take more than a year, because with the income we make, we [also] have to run the family. We have five of us, and we have to meet all the financial needs. So that may take a lot of time.”

When Aashna heard about the free medical camp organized by Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor Ganesh, she walked three miles, carrying Prajivan, to attend.

Helping Prevent Curable Illnesses

Pastor Ganesh has been serving as a Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported pastor for almost 14 years. In the remote villages where he ministered, he’d see people suffering with various sicknesses, such as malaria, cancer or typhoid. He’d discover that men, women or children had died prematurely because they did not have access to any medical facilities. It tore at his heart, and he knew that with the support of the church, he could help these people.

Pastor Ganesh worked diligently to set up a medical camp, which would offer the poorest of the poor possibly their only chance to receive treatment for their ailments.

“Most of the people where I work are from very poor families,” Pastor Ganesh says. “They have no resources to go to any medical care centers where they can get treatment. When I see this, I feel that by conducting such kind of medical camp, which is free, it is going to benefit the poor.”

Pastor Ganesh sought permissions from the local authorities and the village chief to organize the camp. He connected with the government hospital to acquire free medicine for the poor. He talked with doctors to see if they would be willing to see patients living in remote villages. He encouraged the youth of his church to set up the tent for people to sit under as they waited to see the doctor. And he asked the women of his church to help serve the patients when they arrived at the camp.

Then Pastor Ganesh went from village to village, handing out flyers that informed people they could get medical care for free.

Receiving Medicine, Medical Care and Love

Aashna was one of 210 people who showed up at the medical camp.

Doctors examined people with stomach problems, tuberculosis, gynecological disorders, fevers and colds. Some, like Aashna’s son, seemed to have more serious illnesses that needed to be treated at a hospital with better facilities. They believed that little Prajivan could have a tumor.

“I feel so bad that because I don’t have money I wasn’t able to take my child to the doctor,” Aashna says. “Sometimes I feel like crying [because] I cannot help my son. I see him in pain, and I feel really bad about it.”

Aashna and Prajivan went home with medicine that would help ease his pain. And now, with the knowledge and direction from a doctor, she and her husband know what can be done for their little one.

Through this medical camp, hundreds of people received the medical care needed to live healthy lives. And many left with the reassurance that they had people who were there for them in their time of need and who would pray for them and their healing.

“People like us, we are not able to save money for medical expenses,” Aashna says, “so we cannot think of going to a private doctor and spending money for our children’s treatment. This kind of medical camp, which is free and meant for everyone, was a great help and great blessing to us because we are getting everything free … [and] good treatment.”

Pastor Ganesh plans to follow up with those who attended the medical camp to let them know that in sickness and in health, he cares for them in Jesus’ name.

“Pray that through medical camps,” Pastor Ganesh says, “organizing these kinds of camps and bringing awareness and medical help to people who are sick will ultimately touch their heart, so that they will see how God loves them and how Jesus loves them.”

Give to families in need in Asia

Source: Gospel for Asia Features, The Only Medical Care They’ll Ever Receive

Learn more about the need for Medical Ministry. GFA-supported medical ministry is helping thousands who are in need of medical care and attention, all while displaying the love of Christ.

Click here, to read more blogs on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

Remaining Steadfast in God’s Passion at Gospel for Asia

Last updated on: September 23, 2022 at 3:09 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Diane shares her thoughts and heart about how she and her husband, Kevin, were called by God to the ministry of behind-the-scenes missionaries. Read how they have kept their vision and passion alive throughout 15 years of service at Gospel for Asia (GFA).

It was around the time of the terrorists’ attack on the World Trade Centers, in 2001, that my husband, Kevin, had already been praying about re-joining the military, thinking that would solve the restless feeling he had. But then we saw a page in Gospel for Asia’s quarterly magazine, advertising the need for staff. When we saw the need at the ministry, Kevin realized the Lord was directing him to help others in a different way.

It was that simple.

Facing the ‘Impossible’

Diane and Kevin (pictured) have served the Lord for 15 years as behind-the-scenes missionaries at Gospel for Asia. They have maintained their passion through keeping their personal and corporate relationship with God a daily priority.

Deep down, Kevin and I thought it would be impossible for us to work at a ministry with our four young children, ages ranging from 2 to 9 years old. But despite this, both of us were in agreement to step out in faith and see what the Lord would do. With the Lord’s guidance, through prayer, we applied for staff and were accepted in 2003.

We were nervous and excited as we set out for Texas as a family. God used our experience, being stationed in the Philippines with the military for three years, to give us a heart for the world. We had never thought we would be able to share God’s love in Asia by serving in Texas.

Serving Together as a Family

Since we had a family, Kevin and I thought it was very important to lead our kids by example—to be doers of the Word and not just hearers. If we care about others, our children need to see us taking action in our lives to demonstrate that.

The environment at the Gospel for Asia (GFA) office was very open for the whole family to help where they could. Our children were home-schooled, so this allowed them time to come to the office and help with various projects; sometimes that meant working alongside mom or dad.

I only took on jobs that allowed the kids to work with me, since my primary job was at home. Kevin, on the other hand, worked full-time in the office.

An Impactful Pillar

At Gospel for Asia (GFA), we are always reminded to keep prayer a priority above the tasks of our jobs. Prayer is a pillar of the ministry. Gospel for Asia (GFA) was started by prayer and is sustained by prayer.

We were thankful that our children were also included in the Tuesday night and Friday night prayer meetings. Through the years, even more prayer times have been added to keep staff focused and encouraged. It is such a privilege to be surrounded by prayer.

Even though there are a lot of blessings that come with the ministry life, doing full-time ministry is hard work sometimes. We’ve been able to make it through challenges by always remembering to keep focused. The primary way we do this is by spending time with God through personal prayer and reading His Word. Seeking Him to keep our hearts in the right place to receive His direction is a priority in our lives.

We also remind ourselves that what we do here in Texas affects pastors, national missionaries, Sisters of Compassion and various other brothers and sisters and their ministries in Asia. We reflect on how David, in the Old Testament, declared that those who stay behind to work are just as much part of the work as those who are out being the hands and feet of Jesus (1 Samuel 30:22-24).

Why We Do What We Do

In our hearts, Kevin and I know our sacrifice is to stay behind so we can support others who live where the needs are so great. We have learned that part of the ministry work we do here is encouraging others to think beyond their own lives. There are so many who suffer, and we need others to catch this vision in order to help spread the workload.

We press on, remembering what the purpose of the Church is—we are Christ’s hands and feet to the world. The passion for others that the Lord gave to us keeps us going. He has allowed us to do this. Our time on the earth is short, and others will need to continue in God’s work, as long as time allows.

Find a behind-the-scenes missionary to support

Source: Gospel for Asia Special Report, Remaining Steadfast in God’s Passion

Learn more about how for nearly 40 years, behind-the-scenes missionaries, the Missions Support Team have functioned as a crucial link between the mission field and the Western Church.

Click here, to read more blogs on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

Gospel for Asia Helps Fearful Wife Face Husband’s Folly

Last updated on: September 29, 2022 at 6:13 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing Samali and her family as they suffered through abandonment, fear, sickness and discrimination, and the Sisters of Compassion whom God used to turn their sorrow into gladness.

Samali felt Ceyone’s forehead. It was hot with fever. For Samali, life couldn’t be much worse. She had already been abandoned by her husband who had left her for a life of crime, she was badly treated by her in-laws, and anxiety for her children’s future filled her heart. Now her eldest son, no older than 5 years old, had a critically high fever that wasn’t going away.

Samali quickly dialed a number on her phone. On the other end, women dressed in white saris with a gray band answered. They dropped everything they were doing to rush to Samali’s home. The Sisters of Compassion prayed earnestly for Ceyone once they saw the helpless little one seriously ill.

By God’s power and grace, Samali’s son was healed completely! It was a miracle. That night Samali’s anxious heart experienced a miracle, too, as she believed in Jesus—the God who healed her son.

Quit School and Married Young

Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing Samali and her family as they suffered through abandonment, fear, sickness and discrimination, and the Sisters of Compassion whom God used to turn their sorrow into gladness. — Samali, pictured here with her youngest son, experienced the love and power of Christ through answered prayer.

Samali grew up very poor. Her family was unable to support her all the way through her schooling, so she quit school after the fifth grade and later got married young. Samali moved into the home of her husband’s family. Life was contented and happy—until her husband, Kairav, began to drink.

Kairav’s drinking problem grew into a critical addiction. He started drinking in the morning. Eventually, after his two children were born, Kairav stopped going to work, and he began to steal his wife’s jewelry to buy alcohol. But Kairav didn’t just take his wife’s possessions; he also began to steal from his family members, his neighbors and shops around his village to feed his addiction.

Soon Kairav became a sought-after thief. His neighbors would sometimes catch Kairav and beat him, but nothing changed Kairav’s heart. He went from village to village so he wouldn’t get caught by the authorities. Innocent Samali bore the brunt of her husband’s poor decisions as her angry neighbors threatened her while they searched her home to find Kairav.

To make matters more painful, Samali’s in-laws started to mistreat her. Hurt and with no support from her runaway husband, Samali left her in-laws and returned to her parents’ home to find refuge. But Samali’s troubles traveled with her in her heart. Anxiety, fear and abandonment seemed to have victory over her life and emotions.

Sisters of Compassion Minister to Samali

In the village where Samali’s parents lived, Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported Sisters of Compassion served the men and women around them. One day Samali made her way to a friend’s house. There, she found the Sisters of Compassion having a prayer meeting with her friend. Samali silently joined them. She sat and listened to God’s Word for the first time in her life.

After the prayers, the Sisters of Compassion chatted with Samali and taught her sad story. The sisters gave her their phone number and told her she could call them whenever she needed prayer.

Throughout the following weeks, the sisters began to visit Samali from time to time to check on her and to bring some joy and comfort into her life. When they received the anxious phone call from Samali the night of her son’s high fever, they willingly came to pray for him. Healing took place that night—not only in Ceyone’s body, but also in Samali’s heart. One found new health; the other found new life in God’s love.

New Hope, New Life

As Samali’s faith in Jesus grew, she began to attend church with the Sisters of Compassion. She started to see how the Lord answered her prayers and the prayers of the women missionaries. The Lord provided a job for her, which enabled her to send Ceyone to school. She also began to pray for Kairav’s life to be turned around.

By God’s redemptive power, Samali received word from her in-laws that her husband had returned home after being gone for an entire year. When she and her children went to visit Kairav, Samali could see a change in his life. He wasn’t drinking so heavily or stealing as much as he had been. It was another answer to prayer.

‘God Removed My Sorrows’

Samali’s life now has true hope for the future, and though she still faces difficulties, she is no longer alone or anxious about the future. She knows Jesus is with her. As the Sisters of Compassion bear Samali’s burdens and join her in prayer for her husband and the well-being of her children, Samali knows the Lord will answer.

“I am so very thankful to God and the Sisters of Compassion team for introducing Jesus to me,” she says.

“I was going through a tough time in life, but God removed my sorrows. I have overcome the sad situation.”

Please pray for Samali and her children. Pray also for her husband, Kairav, to come to know the hope and peace she has found in Christ.

Find out how a lonely widow named Dazi found companionship through Sisters of Compassion.

Source: Gospel for Asia Special Report, From Unsuccessful Sacrifices to Meaningful Praises

Learn more about the Sisters of Compassion, Gospel for Asia’s specialized women missionaries, who have hearts that ache for hurting women and those deemed as poor and needy.

Click here, to read more blogs on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

Once a Troublemaker, Now a Truth-Bearer

Last updated on: September 29, 2022 at 6:14 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the encounters of national missionaries with people who need the love of God. Through their God-given compassion they give “more than a handful of rice.”

Biru grew up in a nominal Christian home. As a boy he attended Sunday school every now and then. But even though he was exposed to Christian teaching, he never fully grasped the love of Jesus for himself.

When Biru became a young man, his father passed away. Gradually, as a result of the lack of guidance in his maturing years, Biru’s life went downhill. Intoxicating addictions consumed him, and Biru hung out with friends who were bad influences. Over time, he became known as an irritation in his village. Although Biru knew he was lacking peace and meaning in his life, he didn’t know his actions were harming him or displeasing the Lord.

GFA-supported pastor Biru loved the people around him. You could almost see his compassion as he passed by rice paddy fields after a day of ministry. No one could have guessed that Biru, with his selfless, observant nature, was once a nuisance in his home village. — This is Pastor Biru and his family. They serve the Lord together in Agna’s village.

But by God’s grace, one day a man came and shared about Christ’s love with Biru and his family. It finally all made sense. Through this encounter Biru finally understood the mercy of God in his life. Biru repented of his sinful lifestyle and started to live for Jesus, forsaking his addictions and harmful friendships. Peace took the place of the emptiness he felt before. Because of his closeness with Jesus, Biru desired to pursue Christ’s call to bring news of peace to everyone who would listen.

Biru Becomes a Pastor

Biru enrolled in Bible college and later graduated to serve in full-time ministry as a Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported worker. His knowledge of God’s Word increased during his studies, and so did his passion to be an influence of love in his society.

Now a pastor, instead of a trouble to those around him, Biru was able to effectively minister in his sphere of influence. There were many people in his village who didn’t understand Jesus or know Him personally—something Biru once could relate too. Biru understood the spiritual climate and unique hardships of life in his area, which enabled him to speak into his neighbors’ lives.

One such family was Agna’s. Agna and her family didn’t know Jesus, and it wasn’t until a crisis shattered their stability that they began to understand what Biru’s life represented.

Depleting Rice Increases Poverty

Agna and her husband were never rich, but they had enough each year to live on. Along with some bamboo crafts that they made and sold in the village, they both labored in their rice field. Their field always produced more than a year’s worth of rice for their family to live on, and they never had to purchase any from the market. In fact, they even had enough to give a generous offering to their traditional religious priest once a year.

But in 2014 all this changed. Suddenly, for no apparent reason, their paddy field did not produce a sufficient crop. They only had enough rice to last them four months. Because of this lack, Agna called for the priest to perform magic over their field, hoping it would cause the land to produce more. The priest did many rituals, but the next year, their crops grew worse. This time, they only had enough rice for two months.

Agna and her husband felt they had no choice but to call their two children home from their boarding schools in order to help the family stay afloat.

As a mother, Agna struggled to see her children forced to forsake their education, and as a wife, she observed her husband grow discouraged due to her lack of income. On top of this burden, Agna found herself doing something she never had to do before: beg.

Mother Begs for Rice

One day, despite her timidity, Agna decided to ask Pastor Biru for a little rice. He seemed to want to help others in his village; maybe he would help their family too. Agna didn’t know it, but her unfortunate situation would lead her to the greatest gift she could ever ask for.

“When crisis came, even our own . . . relatives were not willing to help,” Agna told her family when she arrived home with the rice. “But the Christian people helped us so why don’t we call the missionary for prayer?”

When Agna approached Pastor Biru, he noticed there was something wrong just by the expression on her face. With compassion and a desire to help, he welcomed her. It was difficult for Agna to get the words out, but Pastor Biru, sensitive to her emotions, assured her she could share anything she wanted. Agna then opened up and talked about the condition of her family.

“Right now we do not have rice to cook,” she said. “If you can give me enough rice to cook for one time, next time I will go and beg from others.”

Pastor Biru was surprised by her words. Agna’s family had always had plenty. The pastor eagerly gave Agna more rice than she asked for and told her she had no need to repay him. He prayed for her, and Agna left their home with a happy but perplexed heart. She suddenly knew there was something different about the Christians, and she wanted to know more. Agna walked home that day with a generous portion of rice in her hard-working hands and a much lighter heart.

Agna’s family called on Pastor Biru to pray for them and their crops. The next year the family experienced a miracle! The same God who had delivered Biru from his addictions now delivered Agna’s family from poverty. God blessed their crops, and they yielded plenty of rice for the whole year. Because of God’s faithfulness and His love shown through Pastor Biru, Agna gave her heart to Jesus and now attends church on a weekly basis.

Pastor Biru was able to minister to Agna because of the partnership of believers like you. National workers in Asia are eager to see communities experience the transformational love of Christ as they themselves have, but they need prayer and financial support to enable them to minister full time.

Will you proclaim the news of redemption as you partner with these men and women? Today you can be part of touching lives with the love of Christ. Sponsor a missionary today, and change lives for eternity!

Source: Gospel for Asia Features, He Gave More Than a Handful of Rice

Learn more about National Missionaries – the men and women the Lord God is raising up living in Asia to be His ambassadors.

Click here, to read more blogs on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.

Miraculous Prayer: Through Sickness, a Grandfather Finds Eternal Life

Last updated on: September 29, 2022 at 6:16 pm By GFA Staff Writer

WILLS POINT, TX – Gospel for Asia (GFA) – Discussing the suffering from various illnesses in Prajval’s family, the helplessness they experienced when his grandson fell sick, and meeting the great Physician in Whom is hope and healing.

Hopeless and helpless, Prajval could only observe as his 1-year-old grandson suffered and grew weak, plagued by near-constant diarrhea and vomiting. The boy’s parents also could do nothing but stand by and watch as their son suffered. Prajval’s heart was heavy. Was there anything more they could do?

Sickness Prevails

Prajval and his grandson (not pictured) now worship the Great Healer.

Prajval and his fathers before him prayed to their ancestors for blessings. However, there were many in Prajval’s family who had suffered from various illnesses, some ultimately perishing. When Prajval’s grandson was born, the family rejoiced, but the young boy, too, fell ill. The child’s parents took him to a doctor, but the prescribed medicine did nothing.

Physical remedies exhausted, they pursued a spiritual one. The family took the ailing boy to a nearby traditional priest, hoping he could heal him. But the child still suffered, growing weaker and weaker as time passed. Prajval and his family could only watch, helpless.

Meeting the Healer of All

Amidst this family’s struggles, they met a member of a congregation led by Gospel for Asia-supported pastor Sarish. This believer, seeing the pitiful state of the boy, offered to pray for the child, encouraging the family that God could do a miracle. The very next day, the believer brought Pastor Sarish with him to visit the family. Prajval watched as these two Christians prayed over his bedridden grandson. Was this Jesus the answer when all else had failed?

After praying for the sick boy, Pastor Sarish invited Prajval and his family to attend the church on Sunday. Curious and hopeful, they brought the boy to the church. There, Prajval saw something extraordinary: His ailing grandson was completely and totally healed! Witnessing this miraculous healing, Prajval and his entire family chose to set their hope in Christ.

“My grandchild was so sick,” Prajval said. “We took him to many hospitals and [followed many rituals], but the child did not get healed. But Pastor Sarish and his believers prayed for him. God did a miracle in his life. Today, by God’s grace, he is completely healed.”

Now, grandfather and grandson, along with their entire family, worship and praise God with fellow believers.

Read how another grandfather learned of the Great Healer.

Source: Gospel for Asia Reports, Through Sickness, a Grandfather Finds Eternal Life

Learn more about the National Missionaries and their passion to help the people in their nations understand Christ’s love through various ways.

Click here, to read more blogs on Patheos from Gospel for Asia.